IAKS to stage first Australasian event to explain the creation of inclusive facilities

With a growing number of members in Australia and New Zealand, IAKS (the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities) is to stage its first ever Australian event at the end of this month.

Being held at the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs from 2pm to 4pm on Thursday 28th April, the Creating inclusive sports and leisure facilities workshop, will include presentations from designers and facility operators on the different strategies and design decisions needed to create more inclusive environments.

With a growing number of members in Australia and New Zealand, IAKS (the International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities) is to stage its first ever Australian event at the end of this month.

Introducing the workshop, Yvette Audet, IAKS’ Australian and New Zealand Ambassador, explains “sports and leisure facilities can be the heart of a community. Creating inclusive facilities helps break down social barriers and can sometimes have a life-changing impact on the individual or the many.

“These decisions require highly specialised knowledge and skill, and sometimes it takes challenging the status quo or putting yourself in another person’s shoes. Thoughtful, considered design can facilitate a more welcoming space, open to everyone regardless of ability, identity, cultural background, or age.”

The event is being sponsored by architects AJ+C, who designed the upgrade to the Coogee Surf Life Saving Club which was reopened in December 202.

AJ+C earned a Distinction for Accessibility at the 2021 Architecture Prizes staged by IAKS along with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The workshop is free for IAKS members.

Click here for more information on the workshop in the Australasian Leisure Management industry Calendar.

Image: Coogee Surf Life Saving Club.